Quest ups Kodiak maximum weight

Quest Aircraft Co. has received FAA approval to operate the Kodiak at a maximum takeoff weight of 7,225 lbs., an increase from the existing 6,750 lbs. The useful load of the aircraft has increased to 3,535 lbs.

“Since receiving our type certification in 2007, we have continued to work on enhancements and improvements to the Kodiak,” said Paul Schaller, president and CEO. “The gross weight increase is one of the modifications our customers have been interested in and we are pleased that we have now achieved this heavier payload capacity.”

The Kodiak can take off in under 1,000 feet at full gross takeoff weight of 7,225 lbs. and climb at over 1,300 feet per minute, he noted. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine, it is capable of working off floats without structural upgrades and has the ability to land on unimproved surfaces, he added.

“The Kodiak was designed with and for mission and humanitarian aviation organizations to perform under extremely rigorous conditions in the most remote regions of the world,” he said. “The gross weight increase will enable them to carry more cargo and/or passengers so they can execute their operations even more effectively. We know our commercial customers will also appreciate the operational enhancement.”

Two Kodiak aircraft have been involved in the disaster relief efforts in Haiti in recent months. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) deployed its Kodiak to Haiti in January, marking the first-ever use of this model aircraft in disaster relief work. The organization Samaritan’s Purse also sent a Kodiak to Haiti to assist in relief efforts. To date, 10 Kodiaks have been delivered to mission and humanitarian organizations for operations around the world.